Indian News Queensland - October 2019 (Vol 3 Issue 1)

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OCTOBER 2019 Vol 3 Issue 1

UN CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT: Modi announces coalition for disaster management

(Contd on Page 3)

PAGE 6 Lord Mayor hosts FICQ members in 'Meet and Greet' event

PAGE 11 AIBC organises interactive business session www.indiannewsqld.com.au

(From left to right) Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, PM Narendra Modi, South Korea President Moon Jae-in, New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern and Jamaica's PM Andrew Holness

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OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | PUBLISHER’S WORD Dear Readers,

FOR ENQUIRES Contact: Dr. Ram Mohan info@indiannewsqld.com.au Phone: 1 300 859 066

It's good to see PM Modi taking giant strides on the world stage, with India's reputation improving leaps and bounds ever since he took charge of the home nation in 2014. His recent initiative in global climate management, which he put forth at the UN summit in New York, is another attempt by him to improve our world.

We have completed two years last month, and the journey so far has been more than gratifying. Over this period, we have done a great deal of improvements in our contents, on our website, and we are launching our weekly newspaper for Australia-wide audiences this month. Without sounding complacent, I am having the feeling of a job done well. So, so far so good.

EDITORS Harpreet Bhagrath Dr Ram Mohan Dr Venkat Pulla EDITORIAL SUPPORT, WEBSITE DESIGN & MANAGEMENT Cosmos Media www.cosmosmedia.info Joyce Thomas

For the big festivals this month, Diwali and Navratri, the community seems to be all geared up. More Diwali events are planned in the city than one can attend, but the good thing is that the bigger Diwali events are organised on different dates. The one organised

by FICQ on October 25 is going to be the major one, by the looks of it. My warm wishes of a Happy Diwali and Navratri to all my brothers and sisters in the community.

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If you have an interest in writing articles, eye for latest news, attending social events and celebrations, love to encourage achievements and proofreading or copy- editing thereby serving our Indian community kindly email us at info@indiannewsqld.com.au or contact Ram Mohan at 0421652132.

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Indian News Queensland | WORLD

Modi announces coalition for disaster management at UN Climate Action Summit

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ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 24 announced a global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York. The Prime Minister made the announcement of the coalition at the Climate Action Summit, which was witnessed by global leaders, government functionaries, international delegates and diplomats from across the world, a Ministry of Home Affairs statement said.

"India is launching a Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. I invite all member states to join this coalition," Modi said.

The partnership of national governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks, financing mechanisms, private sector and knowledge institutions will promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to tackle climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development, the statement said.

Developed through consultations with more than 35 countries, the CDRI envisions to enable measurable reduction in infrastructure losses from disasters, including extreme climate events.

"CDRI thus aims to enable the achievement of objectives of expanding universal access to basic services and enabling prosperity as enshrined in the sustainable development goals, while also working at the intersection of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Climate Agreement," the statement said.

Established as a platform for generating and exchanging knowledge, the statement said, the CDRI will conduct country-specific and global activities.

"CDRI will provide member countries technical support and capacity development, research and knowledge management, and advocacy and partnerships to facilitate and encourage investment in disaster resilient infrastructure systems," it said.

In its formative stage, the statement said, CDRI will focus on developing resilience in ecological infrastructure, social infrastructure with a concerted emphasis on health and education, and economic infrastructure with special attention to transportation, telecommunication, energy and water.

"Within two-three years, the coalition aims to have a three-fold impact of achieving considerable changes in member countries' policy frameworks, future infrastructure investments and high reduction in economic losses from climate-related events and natural disasters across sectors.

"CDRI will uphold the UN Agenda 2030 principle of leaving no one,

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at the Climate Action Summit 2019 during the 74th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 74) at United Nations on Sep 23, 2019. (Photo IANSMEA) no place and no ecosystem behind, focusing on the most vulnerable regions and populations, while enabling inclusive and deliberative processes that recognise national and local efforts as primal," the statement said.

An event is also being co-hosted by the Government of India and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) on September 25 on the sidelines of the SDG Summit to further deliberate on the significance of investing in

resilient infrastructure to achieve climate and development goals.

The event is expected to be addressed by eminent world leaders and dignitaries, including Prime Minister of Fiji Frank Bainimarama; Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar; Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori; and Secretary of State for International Development, UK, Alok Sharma.

Aussie billionaire invests in world's largest solar farm

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ustralian technology billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes has announced that he would be investing to create the world's largest solar farm.

Cannon-Brookes, the co-founder of software company Atlassian, recently told the Australian Financial Review (AFR) that he would "shortly" declare how much he would pour into Singaporean company Sun Cable's project which is worth about A$20 billion ($13 billion).

If it goes ahead, the power generated by the 15,000-hectare solar farm in the Northern Territory (NT)

Solar power plant

would be exported to Singapore via a 3,800 km high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable, Xinhua news agency reported.

"I'm backing it, we're going to make it work, I'm going to build a wire.

"This will be absolutely great, with world-leading engineering required.

But we can do it," Cannon-Brookes said.

The NT's Chief Minister Michael Gunner said that the state is ideally suited to lead Australia in the renewable energy industry.

"Investing in renewables means more local jobs, and more permanent jobs for Territorians," he told the Australian media.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at the Climate Action Summit 2019

Greta Thunberg among 'Alternative Nobel Prize' winners

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he Right Livelihood Award, commonly referred to as the Alternative Nobel Prize, last month honoured Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Sahrawi human rights defender Aminatou Haidar, Chinese women's rights lawyer Guo Jianmei and Brazilian indigenous leader Davi Kopenawa Yanomami.

Created in 1980 by GermanSwedish writer Jakob von Uexk�ll, the Right Livelihood Award looks to "honour and support courageous people solving global problems", reports Efe news.

In what was the 40th annual announcement, Ole von Uexkuell, the nephew of the founder, said that Thunburg was chosen for "inspiring and amplifying political demands for climate action".

"Thunberg is the powerful voice of a young generation that will have to bear the consequences of today's political failure to stop climate change.

"Her resolve to not put up with the looming climate disaster has inspired millions of people to also raise their voices and demand immediate climate action."

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg addresses during the Climate Action Summit 2019 at the 74th session of the UN General Assembly at United Nations

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Second wave of Climate Strike protests take to the streets around the world

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limate change demonstrators took to the streets across the globe to highlight the growing climate crisis.

The Climate Strike protests were largely inspired by Swedish 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, who has quickly become the face of the climate change movement. She was in New York last month for the climate change march.

"Last Friday over 4 million people striked for the climate. This Friday we do it again. 170 countries and 6383 events so far in #weekforfuture," Thunberg tweeted.

Thunberg's activism has drawn the ire of conservatives, including President Donald Trump. After Thunberg spoke at the UN, Trump said, "She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see!"

Source: ABC News

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Australia’s climate protesters get creative with their signs

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ustralian students took a creative approach to the climate crisis at last month's strikes.

Thousands of students across Australia walked out of their classrooms to call for stronger action on climate change.

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At the more than 110 events across the country, participants made their thoughts known on placards big and small.

Some students took a lighter take on the climate crisis.

Source: SBS

OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | ADVERTORIAL

Rocky and his family life at Griffin Crest, a vibrant community just 7 minutes from Singh Sabha Temple, Taigum

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ocky and Parvinder, along with their two children Ashmeen (7) and Deep Inder (10), started looking for the ideal place to build their dream home in 2015. The couple had lived in Brisbane for 11 years, and had rented in various suburbs including Tarragindi, Holland Park West, Banyo and Zillmere. After discovering that none of these suburbs offered the safe, convenient and family-friendly lifestyle that they were looking for, Rocky’s family set their sights on finding a new place to call home.

After months of unsuccessful househunting in suburbs like Nundah and Bracken Ridge, Rocky spoke to a friend who lived at Griffin Crest, and everything started to fall into place. Rocky’s friend raved about the convenient and communitycentric life that he had found at Griffin Crest, and gave Rocky the number for Justin Murphy, the sales manager for Oxmar Properties estates. Rocky called Justin and arranged to view Griffin Crest with his family, and the rest, as they say, is history. Rocky’s family signed the papers on their new land and home in October 2015, and were living in their brand new dream home by March 2016!

“We wanted somewhere nice, quiet and close to the CBD, where we work. A friend recommended Griffin Crest because it’s so close to schools, shopping centres and public transport. I called Justin Murphy from Oxmar Properties, and we were living in our brand new dream home 5 months later,” said Rocky.

Griffin Crest offers residents the chance to build their dream home in one of Brisbane’s most popular suburbs. Located just 20 kilometres from the CBD, it’s impossible to find more affordable vacant land this close to Brisbane City. With plenty of green space as well as a playground, dog park, cycling/ walking paths and public BBQs, both kids and adults love the fun and relaxed Griffin Crest lifestyle.

One of Rocky’s family’s favourite things about Griffin Crest is that the current stage is made up of www.indiannewsqld.com.au

94% owner-occupiers, which creates a stable community feeling and ensures that the estate is wellmaintained and treated with care.

This is thanks to Oxmar Properties, who guarantee that at least 80% of the residents in their communities are owner-occupiers sales.

“We’ve made lots of friends in the estate. On weekends, we like to hang out in the park and catch up.

We have a Facebook community page, so we can post on there to arrange events. The kids love to play at the playground, and they often have friends over for playdates.”

The Griffin Crest community is made up of people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. The estate is just 7 minutes drive from the Singh Sabha Temple Taigum, so it is very popular with those of Sikh faith.

“The temple is just 7 to 8 minutes away, how good is that? Just 3 sets of lights. When we moved in, we had 150 people over for a house blessing ceremony. We got the holy book from the temple, and had everyone over for breakfast and lunch. These ceremonies are common at Griffin Crest, which is nice for our family.”

Rocky is an active member of the local Sikh community, and he loves to spread the word about how great life is at Griffin Crest - especially for Indian families that are looking for a peaceful, friendly and likeminded community. Rocky’s family has been loving life in their home for three years now, and are all essential members of the Griffin Crest community. Rocky and Justin Murphy have become good friends, and Rocky is a strong advocator for buying a home with Oxmar Properties.

“Oxmar Properties is a family-run business. They helped us at every step of the way, from signing the papers to planning and building our home. Oxmar Properties really care about their estates. They like to make sure that everything runs smoothly, and they are always there to help with any issues.”

To enquire about building your dream home at Griffin Crest, call Justin Murphy on 07 3263 4977.

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OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

Lord Mayor hosts FICQ members in 'Meet and Greet' event

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ord Mayor Adrian Schrinner hosted a meet and greet event for the executive committee of FICQ and Member organisations in the Windsor Room at City Hall on September 11.

Lord Mayor and Cr Angela Owen congratulated and appreciated all the Indian organisations for their hard work in hosting various events for multicultural participation and for enhancing the unity within the cultural diversity of the Indian diaspora.

The Indian diaspora organisations also raised issues around hosting

events in various schools and requested the mayor to help the Indian community acquire a long lease over a community center. This centre is to serve as a resource center for the Indian communities to host meetings and events and a storage space to keep their community assets, such as PA systems, musical instruments and other materials.

Highlighting the incident at a mosque at Holland Park, India community members also expressed concern over the contemporary multicultural society being the target of attacks from people with less tolerance towards religious places.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Cr Angela Owen (4th from left) greeting Indian cummunity members during the meet

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Cr Angela Owen also interacted with the Indian diaspora members on an individual level

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner with the FICQ team and their Member Organization Group leaders

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Indian News Queensland | LOCAL & NATIONAL

BRIMM Ganesh Utsav 2019 celebrated in Coorparoo

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ttended by well over 600 people, this year’s Ganesh Utsav, organised by the Brisbane Maharashtra Mandal (BRIMM) committee, was a jam-packed programme. The event is an avenue for new immigrants to meet the old, speak the Marathi language, enjoy the Marathi culture, and be the Maharashtrian they truly are.

Cr. Fiona Cunnigham also attended the function and addressed the community as well as enjoyed the various performances. Apart

from Cr. Fiona Cunnigham, Mrs. Archana Singh, Hon. Consul.

India, also attended the utsav. She was impressed by the performances and said that more local traditional dances from India should be performed and shown on stage for the international audience. Other dignitaries who were present at the Maharashtrian event were Dr. Ram Mohan, FICQ president, accompanied by his wife, and Ms. Kerrie Woodrow and also Damini Women’s Association President Lila Pratap.

Traditional Maharashtrian dance performance by BRIMM members

The event started with Dhol Tasha Miravnook, and as is widely known in home nation, no Maharashtrian will miss a chance to dance on the tunes of Dhol Tasha. The Utsav then had a pooja component, performed

by Bhushan Joshi to install the Ganpati for Brisbane Maharashtra Mandal, and Joshi has been doing it for the past four years now.

Apart from the religious traditions, this event also featured stage performances from members of BRIMM, including a variety of dances ranging from folk dances such as Lavni, Koli, Garba to classical dances such as Kathak.

Infinity Kathak Group performed an excellent show of Kathak Dance form and mesmerised the audience.

Members also showcased their acting talents through an excellent skit performance by Gram Sabha group. A Marathi show is never complete without singing. Singing the Aarti “Sukha Karta, Dukha Harta” brings with it the pride of being a Maharashtrian. On one hand it showcases the tradition as well as the religious belief while on the other it teaches the language and pronunciations one needs to keep in mind when articulating the aarti. The event saw children of Sargam Academy singing Jai

Ganesh Deva, Asmita Mahadik singing melodious Marathi songs, and Vikrant Deokar singing a medley of Hindi and Marathi songs.

The venue Coorparoo Secondary School proved to be an excellent choice, as it was convenient with lots of parking for patrons and attendees and a separate space for dinning.

Food was arranged by Mahindra Shinde who served the 600 people present there. BRIMM had received a grant from the Coorparoo Ward for organizing the Ganesh Utsav 2019.

Overall it was an excellent function which was organised, executed, and attended by the Maharashtrian diaspora in Brisbane.

Cr. Fiona Cunnigham (right) sitting among the audiences

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OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | NEWS & ADVERTORIAL

Queensland bushfires: Taking an extreme turn

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irefighters say ‘you’ve got to accept” the climate is changing and be ready to endure more early-season emergencies.

Queensland firefighters put out spot fires on Binna Burra Road on 12 September. Fire authorities are warning that early-season bushfires could be the new normal in the state. What was once considered an “extreme” Queensland bushfire season should now be expected every year, firefighters say.

Queensland has endured an early-season bushfire emergency this month after hot and dry conditions and strong winds fuelled dozens of blazes, which destroyed 17 homes mostly in the state’s south. Encountering such difficult conditions early in the season would previously have been considered abnormal, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said. But the recent seasons have

firefighters rethinking what should be considered normal.

“I don’t think we’d be doing our job if we weren’t prepared for the season to be what we used to think of as extreme,” the QFES acting deputy commissioner, Neil Gallant, told the ABC. Gallant said “you’ve got to accept” the climate is changing. “We’ve got to be prepared for a different fire season, a different range of climate extremes, he said. “We’d be not doing our duty if we didn’t at least consider that’s now the new norm.”

Officials have warned some fires could burn for months because the ground was bone-dry in inaccessible terrain and there was no significant rain in sight.

Firefighters were bracing for tough conditions to return this season with above-average temperatures expected this summer.

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OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | AD

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OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Fiji Senior Citizens welcome new Lord Mayor

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formal dinner event was organised by Fiji Senior Citizens Association of Queensland to welcome the new Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner at Multicultural Hub, Annerley.

Mr Lewis Lee OAM was also present there along with the new Lord Mayor, and both were hosted by the president of FSCAQ Mr Surendra Prasad.

Mr Lewis Lee OAM (left), Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Surendra Prasad (right) at Fiji Seniors Community Hall

QPS's social initiative is Bringing Cultures Together ueensland Police Service’s Bringing Cultures Together initiative, in its second year, was organised with the help of Ecutas Productions on September 21 in Zillmere.

This free event is organised with the support of community groups to connect with the communities.

The event seeks to engage the communities in discussing serious subjects like Healthy and Respectful Relationships, Dealing with Domestic and Family Violence issues and Protection Laws for the Multicultural Community. And all these serious issues are discussed during a beautiful lively event that entertains and engages audiences with performances, music food and meaningful conversations.

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OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

AIBC organises interactive business session

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ustralia India Business Council QLD Chapter together with Ipswich City Council organised a productive interaction with visiting Australian Consul General in Kolkatta Andrew Ford who provided valuable insights with significant information about billions of dollars in opportunities that are currently available in the Eastern States of India in key areas of Education, Mining, Healthcare and Tourism sectors.

Each month at least one million Indian youngsters turn 18 in India,

thereby entering the productive workforce and consumer market and creating huge opportunities in itself for Australian businesses to engage actively in this region.

Jim Varghese AM, National Chair of AIBC, invited and encouraged all sectors of Australian businesses to identify these golden opportunities in India and turn them into tangible positive outcomes as Queensland continues being the largest trading partner State with India.

Australian Consul General in Kolkatta Andrew Ford (centre) flanked by other dignitaries and attendees

Australian Consul General in Kolkatta Andrew Ford (left) during the session

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AIBC members posing with Mr Andrew Ford

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OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Remote rural areas benefit as IVI conducts 31,000 vision screenings across India in one month

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ugust 2019 has been a busy month for India Vision Institute (IVI) with vision screenings spanning the far corners of India, from Tamil Nadu in the south, Haryana to the north, and two districts in Odisha, hitting 31,000 screenings in a month.

The activities included 18,404 vision screenings in tribal schools in remote communities in Tamil Nadu's Kolli Hills, Namakkal, and Salem, 2,047 screenings in schools across Chennai, as well as 8,993 screenings in Odisha's Boudh and Cuttack districts, Hauz Khas village in Delhi, and Nuh in Mewat (Haryana).

"IVI's activities during the month continue to touch lives in remote corners of India with little or no access to vision screening," said IVI CEO Vinod Daniel.

"With an estimated 62 million visually impaired in India – including eight million blind - it is a challenge. Our efforts in August will impact a good segment of the population in these states," he said.

At a special event organised by IVI, 120 children screened earlier from among 1,942 at Chennai Higher Secondary School received

Screening in progress in Tamil Nadu' s Kolli Hills glasses from the leader of the visiting Australian Trade Mission

2019, Mayor Stephen Bali MP of Blacktown City in New South

Menaka Thomas Will Stir Your Soul With “My Eyes Can See”

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few years ago, Menaka could barely see.

She couldn’t tell the difference between a knife and fork or decipher how many fingers were held in front of her face. This is where she found her music. In the long journey to recovery, Menaka’s debut album “My Eyes Can See” was born.

Magda Productions will present Menaka Thomas Live, sharing songs from her recently released debut album, “My Eyes Can See” on Saturday, 26 October at the Holy Trinity Church Hall in Fortitude Valley.

Menaka’s sound is a fusion of musical worlds.

While she hails from a musical family deeply rooted in South Indian classical music, her exploration within realms of song writing has endowed her with a unique sound, which intersects traditional and contemporary, East and West.

Menaka recently released her album to a sold-out crowd at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in May. Again, she will be accompanied by a top-class line up of musicians, including Meg Burstow, Shayne Cook, Tsoof Baras, Evan Osborne and Megha Alex. This concert will also feature renowned Indian classical Bansuri player, Darshil Shah.

The night promises to be one of soul stirring music, narrative, raw emotion and human connection and will be presented by Magda Productions. www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Wales (NSW). Nathan Rees, a former Premier of NSW and a

member of the Trade Mission, also distributed spectacles at the school.

Adani's India festival in Townsville fosters community engagement

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dani Australia p r o u d l y sponsored the India Festival in Townsville last month.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the amazing food, cooking demonstrations and traditional dancing.

The Indian mining giant also had a stand at the festival, and their team and distributed information about their chatted with the locals Carmichael Project.

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OCTOBER 2019

12

Indian News Queensland | AD

Periyar's 141 ST Birth Anniversary celebration held

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eriyar's 141st birth anniversary was celebrated in Brisbane on September 29.

Padma Laxman presented the program, and Muguntharaj welcomed all guests and attendees and inaugurated the program, saying thanks to Periyar whose thoughts have lifted the Tamil Nadu politics and Tamil people's lives.

A video, with courtesy from Vikatan TV, was screened, which was about how various rumours on Periyar tried to spread hatred against him and hide social justice and rational

politics, and what are the truths.

The guest speech was delivered

by Brisbane's Tamil poet Mr Ravichandran, who has seen Periyar during his school days. On the topic "Periyarai Kanbadhuvum Avarsol Ketpadhuvum Nandre", he spoke about his life transformation before and after seeing Periyar, becoming more and more rational every day in his life.

He also explained how and why Periyar transformed himself with the time, hailing from an orthodox rich family into a man of rational thinking and a leader of the self-

respect movement and icon of several political organizations. He also pointed about unnecessary contemporary confusions about 'Tamil vs Dravidian'.

Teeyan North Diyan: Teej celebrated in Brisbane

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eeyan is the Punjabi name of the festival of Teej, which is celebrated in Punjab and other parts of India and is dedicated to the onset of the monsoon and focuses on daughters and sisters. Married women go to their maternal house to participate in the festivities.

In Brisbane, the annual ‘Teeyan North Diyan’ on September 21 was celebrated, with hundreds of women dressed in colourful Indian attire, creating an exceptional experience of this traditional festival at Aspley State School, Aspley.

Teeyan is a 'ladies only' function, and females from all fields and ages come together for this celebration, showcasing their hidden talent without any hesitation. The ladies are dressed to their best and are seen dancing, singing, making jokes, taking selfies, and rejoicing being a woman.

Teeyan North Diyan has been a tradition in Brisbane for the past 9 years. The Malwa Club took the initiative to organise the festival for the first 6 years, which was then carried forward by Preet Siyaan (Australia-based Punjabi folk/pop singer).

Amarjot Goraya has been the host and the part of the organising committee of this event over the past nine years. However, this is the first time Shruti Dhar Padda co-hosted the event with Jyoti-Amarjot and did a good job of entertaining the ladies. This year’s show included the performance from the renowned Punjabi artist/singer Babbal Rai. At this year’s event when one entered the hall at the Teeyan event, a swing (jhoola) with beautiful flowers welcomed them. The decorations were elegantly done and made use of traditional phulkari duppatta and charkha. Women were having a wonderful time sitting on the

www.indiannewsqld.com.au

jhoola, taking photos, while others indulged themselves in buying jewellery from the stall. Some found their interest in a variety of food stalls.

The various performances and activities for all age groups had the audience participating and winning various prizes.

MP Bart Mellish, Councillor Tracy Davis, Councillor Fiona Hammod, Councillor Amanda Cooper were some of the dignitaries who attended the celebration, and they seemed equally at ease enjoying the event.

Highlight of the event was the dynamic live performance by Babbal Rai, to which ladies went crazy. Other performances included Bollywood dancing, bhangra, UK style bhangra, and gidha, followed by DJ who pelted a mix of Punjabi songs. Dance-masti kept the ladies on their feet, with them performing gidha and bhangra to their favorite tunes.

All in all, it was a fantastic Saturday night on September 21 with remarkable effort from the organising team of Preet Siyaan, Jessica Saranah and Jyoti Amarjot Goraya and Shruti Dhar Padda.

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OCTOBER 2019

13

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Brisbane Malayalee Association organises Onam celebration

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he Brisbane Malayalee Association held their annual Onam celebration on September 21. The Bracken Ridge High School Auditorium was filled to full capacity. It was a very well-organized event, all thanks to the committee members and volunteers.

The auditorium was filled with the sound of festivity, with everybody actively participating in the enjoyment, revelling in the homeaway-from-home atmosphere. The dance and cultural event culminated in a grand Onam feast.

After the Onam celebration, the organisers collected and recycled 265 plastic bottles and managed to raise donations as well.

Onam Celebration by Malayali Association of Queensland

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he colourful harvest festival of Onam was celebrated by the Malayali Association of Queensland on September 28 at the Lighthouse Community Center, Forest lake. The muchawaited event was kicked off with traditional dance and music programs.

Senator Paul Scar, Cr Angella Owen, Mrs Archana Singh, Indian Honorary Consul Brisbane, Dr. Ram Mohan, President FICQ, and other distinguished guests attended the event.

MAQ President Mr Krishna Menon, Secretary Mr. Prashanth, Sudha Nair, cultural coordinator, and other committee members and volunteers together organised this noteworthy day of celebration.

The day ended with an onamsadhya prepared and served by Saju Joseph from Kalavara and Mr.James from Kerala cuisine which was much appreciated by all those present there.

Malayali Association of Queensland (MAQ) is a voluntary organization that brings together keralites who live in Queensland.

The organization celebrates the art, religion, sports and cultural diversity of the people of Kerala who are united through the language we speak. The association is founded on the core principle that celebration of diversity provides an opportunity for communities to unite and develop a deeper understanding of the traditions and cultural heritage of people from all parts of the world.

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Indian News Queensland | AD

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Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Bapu Peace Drive advocates for national harmony on Gandhi’s 150th Birthday celebrations

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peaker of the Queensland Parliament and State Member for Mulgrave the Honourable Curtis Pitt MP is leading a drive for peace to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth.

In 1930, Gandhi Ji, or Bapu as he was fondly referred to by his countrymen, marched 388 kilometres to defy the British salt laws in perhaps the famous act of non-violent resistance. This march was a seminal moment in Gandhi’s successful campaign for India's independence. On 2 October, 2019 Mr Pitt will lead the Bapu Peace Drive from Coffs Harbour to Queensland Parliament House, a similar distance to Gandhi’s Salt March.

The Bapu Peace Drive is an initiative of Gandhi Salt March Limited and is an inclusive event open to all people from all religions and cultures.

Taking part in the Peace Drive will be representatives from the Australian, Queensland and New South Wales parliaments, Indigenous Australians, business leaders, academics, charity

organisations, religious and spiritual leaders and migrants from refugee backgrounds.

“I believe the endeavours of the Bapu Peace Drive will reaffirm the need for stronger bonds within our communities” Mr Pitt said.

“In a time when we are assaulted by secularism, fanaticism and isolationist policies the Gandhian values of inclusion and nonviolence are particularly relevant.”

GSML Chairman, Jim Varghese AM said: “Mahatma Gandhi reminds us that ‘the future depends on what we do today.’ The Bapu Peace Drive is about peace, nonviolence and inclusiveness."

“I am encouraged by the leadership shown by the Speaker of the Queensland Parliament the Honourable Curtis Pitt, and the concept of Bapu Peace Drive highlighting Gandhian values.

Mahatma Gandhi’s life and teachings provide an excellent platform for honest ethical behaviour, and democratic and social responsibility in business, community and government”. He continued.

The first stop will be at the Sikh temple in Coffs Harbour where

the Peace Drive will join with the High Commission of India to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev. Islamic Council of Queensland spokesperson Ali Kadri, who will be participating in the Peace Drive, praised the Peace Drive for its message of inclusiveness and peace.

“There are still many who will express their hate and it’s up to us

to not let this define us a nation and a community. As a nation we need to embrace diversity and practice inclusion and non-violence,” he said.

On September 11 this year, the Holland Park Mosque was vandalised with a swastika and the name of the Christchurch mosque terrorist. The Bapu Peace Rally will make special stops at Grafton, the hometown of the Christchurch

terrorist, and the Holland Park Mosque to deliver healing messages of peace and inclusiveness.

The Bapu Peace Drive has been organised by Gandhi Salt March Limited and is supported by High Commission of India, Canberra, Federation of Indian Communities Queensland, Australia India Business Council, Gandhi Creations, Adani Australia, and Mahindra Australia.

Australia-China International Photography Festival's award ceremony held

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he 3rd Australia-China International Photography Festival's (ACIPF) award ceremony was held at Queensland Parliamentary Annex on September 7.

The festival with the theme 'Footprint - The Trail' was supported by the local Chinese associations and societies in Queensland.

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The Festival attracted more than 1000 entries out of which over 200 photos were selected by the panel jury. The entries demonstrated the footprints of ancestors, enterprises, association, individual, cultural exchange and co-operation between Australia and China.

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OCTOBER 2019

16

Indian News Queensland | NEWS FROM INDIA

"Howdy, Modi" at Houston, US

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ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared space with US President Donald Trump at the NRG stadium at Houston in the United States at an event organized

by Indian-Americans.

Both Modi and Trump addressed the large gathering of IndianAmericans, who were chanting ‘Modi, Modi’ to welcome the Indian Prime Minister. The event was an opportunity for the Indian diaspora in US to showcase their significance and influence as the constituents of the American society.

Addressing the gathering the Indian Prime Minister highlighted the

achievements of his government, especially its endeavour to ensure ease of living along with ease of doing business in India. He underlined the importance of India-America relationships and applauded the Indian-American community for their contribution to the forging of a strong relationship between the two countries.

President Trump also addressed the gathering and stressed on the importance of the Indian community in America. He asked the audience to view him as their “friend” who will always safeguard their interests.

Maharashtra and Haryana Now, Aadhaar polls on Oct 21, result on IDs for NRIs on Oct 24 arrival

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he Election Commission (EC) of India announced the schedule for elections in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Haryana recently. At a press briefing in New Delhi, EC announced that voting will take place in both the states on October 21, and the results of the elections will be declared on October 24. There will be a single phase election in both the states.

EC announced that the date of notification is on September 27,

last date of nomination is on October 4, scrutiny will take place on October 5, and the last date of withdrawal of candidature is October 7.

The model code of conduct, which provides a level playing field in elections, becomes effective immediately with the announcement of the schedule.

These elections are going to be significant for all the major political parties in India, including BJP,

Congress, NCP (Maharashtra), Shiv Sena (Maharashtra). While the BJP has an opportunity to win both the state elections and become a formidable force in the states as well, other parties such Congress and NCP must do better in these elections to retain their relevance in Indian politics. Shiv Sena in Maharashtra also wants to improve its performance in these elections to strengthen its position in Maharashtra politics.

I

n a bid to connect further with non-resident Indians (NRIs), the government of India has issued a notification announcing that NRIs with valid passports can now apply for Aadhaar (photo identity card) on arrival, without the 182-day waiting period, as was the case earlier.

The modalities for application remain more or less unchanged.

The NRIs with Indian passport

can now apply for biometric ID on arrival or by scheduling a prior appointment.

A circular issued in this regard by the Unique Identification Authority of India states that if an NRI’s passport does not have an Indian address, the NRI shall be allowed other UIDAI-approved proof of address documents as proof of address.

Kartarpur corridor to be opened for Indian pilgrims on Nov 9

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he much-awaited Kartarpur Corridor will be opened on November 9 for Indian-Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib for the 550th birth anniversary www.indiannewsqld.com.au

of Guru Nanak. It is reported that 86 percent of the work on the corridor has been completed so far, as stated by project director Atif Majid to international journalists visiting the

Kartarpur Corridor for the first time in Narowal, which is situated 125 kilometres from Lahore.

The corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur with Dera Baba

Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and allow visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will only have to obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib.

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India and Pakistan have agree to allow 5,000 Sikh visitors per day as of now, which will be raised to 10,000 later.

OCTOBER 2019

17

Indian News Queensland | AD

Kairali Brisbane holds Onam celebrations in Brisbane

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he Kairali Brisbane's Ponnonam celebration was pure entertainment for all present at Islamic College Auditorium, Durack on 21st September.

After the grand onasadya, entertainments and various performances followed.

Cr Angela Owen was present at the celebrations, which included traditional dance items, music and food.

The Onam procession was led by Mr. Tinu Sebastin dressed as King Mahabali with the youth actively participating in it. The sound of the Chendamelam saw people swaying to it. The day proceeded with around 24 on- and off-stage cultural events, which saw nearly 200 participants putting up various events.

However, the major draw was the 32-member Mega Thiruvathira coordinated by Mrs. Sindhu Jenny.

The event ended on a happy note with Onasadhya and Ganamela.

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OCTOBER 2019

18

Indian News Queensland | NEWS FROM INDIA

Finally, India initiates much-awaited economic reforms

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orporate tax reduction and incentives to the housing sector are among the reforms unveiled Following India's disappointing GDP growth for the fifth consecutive quarter in April-June 2019, which is languishing at 5 percent, the lowest in six years, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has initiated muchawaited reforms to boost the Indian economy.

Some of the reforms unveiled by the finance minister, like corporate tax reduction and incentives to the housing sector, are heartening and may boost the economy in the coming period.

Reduction in corporate tax The Indian government has decided to cut corporate tax to 25 percent from the earlier 30 percent (with exemptions) and remove the

additional surcharge on capital gains made by FII and domestic investors, along with a few other measures to motivate investors to invest in India.

Industry experts in India have welcomed this move saying that this move is expected to attract investors from across the world towards Indian market.

Scheme to boost exports In view of the fact that India’s exports have been showing a declining trend despite a weaker rupee, a remissionbased incentive scheme for export of goods has been announced which will involve Rs 50,000 crore of outgo, higher than the Rs 40,000-45,000 crore budgeted in earlier plans.

To encourage the exporters further, a new scheme for reimbursement of taxes paid on exports, called the Remission of Duties or Taxes

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

10,000 crore special window will provide last mile funding to housing projects in India on Export Product, will come into effect from January.

IABCA 2019 Celebrating the Australia-India Relationship

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Special window for housing In a bid to boost the housing sector in India, finance companies have been allowed to borrow funds from abroad at relaxed rules,even as interest rate on house building advance has been lowered.

Now buying new houses will become more affordable in India with the announcement of a Rs 10,000 crore special window that will provide last mile funding to housing projects in the country.

Mega shopping festival to strengthen exports Finance Minister also announced that India will organise a mega shopping festival, akin to the

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world-famous Dubai Shopping Festival. This festival will be organised at four places in India in March on the themes of gems and jewellery, handicraft/yoga/tourism, textiles and leather.

No prosecution of minor tax offenders It has also been announced that minor tax violation will no longer invite prosecution from the income tax department. This is said to have been done to ensure that people don't have the fear that the income tax department is on a mission to prosecute.

According to the minister, prosecutions in defaults below Rs 25 lakh will be initiated only after an approval from a collegium comprising two senior officials of the tax department.

OCTOBER 2019

19

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Towards better living through Bhagvad Geeta

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n 10th August 2019, Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) had organized spiritual discourse on 'Towards Better Living, Through the Bhagavad Gita' by Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swamiji at Queensland Multicultural Centre, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane.

Event was concluded with prominent Indian community leaders, professionals and business leaders felicitating Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami Ji for authoring two unique contemporary Sanskrit texts: ‘Swaminarayan Bhashyam’ and ‘Swaminarayan-SiddhantSudha’.

Bhadreshdas Swami Ji is a Sanskrit scholar and an ordained monk of BAPS, who has undergone three decades of research in Sanskrit, Hindu Scriptures and Indian Philosophies.

GCHCA celebrates Ganesha Chaturthi

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old Coast Hindu Cultural Association has celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesha Immersion in Gold Coast Broadwater Parklands on September 8.

More than five hundred people gathered on the day in the Gold Coast sea shore to celebrate the birthday of the Hindu god of wisdom, Ganesha. Program started with pooja and bhajan in

the Northern Pavilion situated at Broadwater Parkway.

Following the pooja, devotees were able to take the Ganesha clay idol in a cart and moved along the Broadwater Parklands footpaths, leading the Ganesha idol toward the water.

Water immersion of the idol happened with devotion in an environmentally friendly way, and Brisbane Hindu Youth Association members helped the GCHCA construct the cart for the event.

Devotees gathered for pooja and bhajan in the Northern Pavilion situated at Broadwater Parkway for the Ganesha Chaturthi

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Pooja was performed on the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi

Ganesha clay idol being moved along the Broadwater Parklands footpath in a cart toward the Gold Coast Broadwater

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OCTOBER 2019

20

Indian News Queensland | RELIGION

Peepal: The royal tree with divine associations There are many rituals and numerous legends as well as divine associations surrounding the mysterious and divinely royal Peepal tree. Sharon Bath recounts the legends and myths associated with this sacred tree

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he Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) also known as Ashvattha, its Sanskrit name, and the Bodhi tree or Bo tree, is a divinely royal tree - the king of all sacred trees.

This sacred fig is associated with all the Hindu deities, especially Lord Vishnu, who is said to have been born under its shelter. In addition, the Peepal tree is a symbol of the Lord Himself. A commonly held belief in India is the Peepal tree houses the entire Trimurti, the roots being Lord Brahma, the trunk Lord Vishnu and the leaves Lord Shiva.

It is also widely believed that the Trimurti meet and hold council in its shade. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna, a divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu says: "Among trees, I am the Ashvattha." Legend has it that Lord Krishna died under this tree, and with his death the present Kali Yuga began.

There are many different rituals as well as numerous legends surrounding this mysterious tree and many divine associations, including Devi Laxmi who is said to inhabit the tree on Saturdays. This virtuous tree has the reputation for being able to fulfil desires, especially with the blessings of children and longevity, as well as being able to absolve sins and cure diseases. To have their worldly desires met people offer the tree water, light a lamp, walk around the tree (circumambulation) and even massage the roots of the tree with oil and garland it with coloured threads

Photos: Sharon Bath

Close up of peepal tree leaves at Botanic Gardens, Brisbane

Where to see a Peepal tree in Brisbane There is a very large old Peepal tree in the old Botanical Gardens on the banks of the Brisbane River in Brisbane CBD. You must see it and experience the peace it showers. The Peepal tree can be found on the left-hand side of the entrance at Alice Street. The tree was planted in the early 1880s. It is said to have come from a cutting struck from the ancient tree in Sri Lanka. Whether or not the tree cutting came from the original cutting brought to Sri Lanka by the daughter of King Ashoka the writer does not know for sure, but it makes for a very romantic story. In 1983, the Dalai Lama visited the Peepal tree at the Botanical Gardens in Brisbane city after he planted a cutting from this tree at the University of Queensland. Many people visit the Peepal tree at the Botanical gardens and even enjoy lunch under its shade. The tree is so large there are manmade structures to hold up two giant limbs. These spectacular gardens are home to many other horticultural delights.

Another quite large Peepal tree can be found at the entrance to the Gallery of Modern Art at the Cultural Centre precinct at South Bank across the Brisbane River from the CBD. It is close to the State Library, Queensland Art Gallery and the Museum of Brisbane. This Peepal tree was planted as a public arts project called “the Bodhi Tree Project”. It is told that the tree grown by cutting has a direct lineage to the Buddha’s original Peepal tree from Bodh Gaya. There’s a sign next to the tree saying: 'Bodhi Tree Terrace'.

Buddha Birth Day Festival is held each year in May to celebrate his appearance at the Parklands at Southbank in Brisbane. It is the largest Buddhist festival of its kind in the world. Each year the Peepal tree is honoured. It is called the Bodhi Tree Blessing Ceremony.

There is also a smaller Peepal tree in the grounds of the Hindu temple Shree Laxminarayan Mandir at Burbank in Brisbane where you may go and offer your love, devotion and respects to this king of all sacred trees.

and offer food items. According to a respected Hindu priest from a local temple in Brisbane, the practice of putting oil at the base of the tree is a ritual that may cause it harm.

Pundit Ji said that it’s much better to light a lamp in front of the tree and then say a prayer to the Lord to help solve any problems, rather than perform Nurture your spiritual lifea ritual which may hurt the tree, as we must put its care, before through meditation on the our own worldly desires. inner Light (Jyoti)any andofSound (Naad) and realise your trueform is very attractive; The tree’s self. All events are it free. can grow extremely large and Peepal tree at Mansa Devi temple powerful and live to a great age. The tree leaves (where Lord Shiva resides) in Chandigarh

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are heart-shaped and they rustle or quiver much like the American Aspen tree. These iconic tree leaves are considered auspicious; they are used for religious and artistic purposes, as well as a combination of both. In fact the writer’s first introduction to the Peepal tree came through an Indian painting, painted on the leaf of a Peepal tree.

My childhood memory was sitting on the floor of an emporium in Brisbane CBD trying to choose which Peepal leaf picture to buy.

The leaf paintings were just so adorable. They were all paintings of the various deities and it was hard to choose just one. Chinese artists also paint their compositions exquisitely on the leaves of the Peepal tree.

Many other objects of art are made with the Peepal leaf design. The fruit of the sacred fig is purple and filled with tiny seeds. The birds eat the seed and spread it about. The Peepal tree is also epiphytic, which means it can take root even without soil. Seeds can grow from the bark of other trees through aerial roots until it finds soil.

In India the Peepal and the Neem tree are sometimes found growing together side by side as a married couple. The Peepal tree is

considered male and the Neem tree is considered the female (Shakti).

At other times it is the Banyan and Peepal found growing together.

The Peepal tree also has the reputation for providing abundant oxygen, along with the Neem tree and Tulsi. All parts of the Peepal tree are used extensively in Ayurveda.

Divine association with Lord Buddha One of the most well known saints associated with the Peepal tree is Lord Buddha. Buddhist scripture says that Gautama Buddha meditated under the Peepal tree at Bodh Gaya in the Indian state of Bihar for forty-nine days without moving from this position. It was under the shelter of the Peepal tree Lord Buddha found enlightenment.

It’s told that the first thing the Buddha did after enlightenment was thank the tree for its shelter.

This particular Peepal tree became a pilgrimage site even in his lifetime.

When asked, who should people respect after his death the Buddha replied that they should honour and revere the Peepal tree.

Lord Buddha promised: “He who worships the Peepal tree will receive the same reward as if he worshiped me in person”.

King Ashoka, considered one of India’s greatest emperors, honoured the Peepal tree with a festival each year and built a railing around the original tree that the Buddha received his enlightenment under.

King Ashoka was also the first to build a temple at Bodh Gaya. The site is now a World Heritage Site and a significant pilgrimage place for Buddhists called the Mahabodhi temple. The story of King Ashoka and his transformation of character is a really fascinating one. It was King Ashoka who helped promote and spread Buddhism across ancient Asia. It was King Ashoka’s daughter who became a Buddhist nun and was responsible for taking a cutting of the special tree from the time of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka where its tree lineage still grows at the ancient capital. Many Buddhist temples have a Peepal tree in the grounds and these trees are very much respected by Buddhist people.

Shree Ramakrishna Paramhansa and his beloved disciple Swami Vivekananda The Peepal tree also has associations with other great saints such as Ramakrishna Paramhansa and his disciple Swami Vivekananda. The Peepal tree is one of five sacred trees that make the Panchavati where Ramakrishna Paramhansa spent many hours at the famous Dakshineswar temple grounds in

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Asian style painting of birds on Peepal leaves

Where to purchase a Peepal tree in Australia A Peepal tree is not a suitable tree to grow in a home garden, but it would make a terrific specimen tree if you have lots of space and live on a large property. When ordering online you may need to make your search by using the name 'Bodhi tree', as many people in Australia know the tree by this name, rather than the Peepal tree.

You can purchase a tree at Daley’s Nursery at www.daleysfruit.com. au or Rare Plants Nursery at www. rareplants.net.au.

Bengal meditating and conversing with the Divine Mother, Kali. In 1890, Swami Vivekananda on his way to Almora in the Himalayas, sat under a Peepal tree and meditated.

During this experience he had a very deep spiritual realisation.

Afterwards he wrote down some notes in Bengali, and this excerpt is taken from those notes.

“In the beginning was the Word etc.

The microcosm and the macrocosm are built on the same plan. Just as the individual soul is encased in the living body, so is the universal Soul in the Living Prakriti [Nature] — the objective universe. Shivâ [i.e.

Kâli] is embracing Shiva: this is not a fancy. This covering of the one [Soul] by the other [Nature] is analogous to the relation between an idea and the word expressing it: they are one and the same; and it is only by a mental abstraction that one can distinguish them. Thought is impossible without words. Therefore, in the beginning was the Word etc.

This dual aspect of the Universal Soul is eternal. So what we perceive or feel is this combination of the Eternally Formed and the Eternally Formless.” ~ Swami Vivekananda (Life of Swami Vivekananda, Vol. I. p. 250.)

OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | TRAVEL

Bangladesh: The Phoenix Nation Rising Again

Kushtia, Rabindranath Tagore's home in Bangladesh

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angladesh has outper­ formed many countries in South Asia and Africa and has witnessed some remarkable developments on both the economic and social fronts, says Indrani Ganguly, who visited the nation recently in search of her past family connections.

Bangladesh is rarely considered a tourist destination in Australia. What people know of it generally comes from negative news reports: floods, cyclones, political strife, and tragedies in garment factories.Yet it was not always so. In pre-British times, Bangladesh was part of the greater province of Bengal which was considered by many as one of the richest places on earth in which to trade. The region was famous worldwide for its fine muslin which was exported to countries as far as Greece and Rome Bengal’s partition post India’s Independence Bengal also had a rich cultural heritage developed by diverse

Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim rulers, including literature, music, dance, and painting. British rule led to widespread economic disruption with the muslin trade disappearing almost completely.

This was accompanied by a series of truncations of the province. In 1905, Bengal was divided on religious lines into East Bengal whose population was predominantly Muslim, with its capital in Dacca (now Dhaka) and West Bengal whose population was largely Hindu with its capital in Calcutta (now Kolkata). In 1947, following India’s independence and the partition of India, East Bengal became East Pakistan.

Bangladesh’s birth following 1971 Indo-Pak war Modern Bangladesh emerged in 1971 after a bloody war of independence. It remained an economic basket case—wrecked by poverty and famine—for many years after independence. By 2006, conditions seemed so hopeless

that when Bangladesh registered faster growth than Pakistan, it was dismissed as a fluke. Since then, there has been some remarkable developments on both the economic and social fronts, where Bangladesh has outperformed many similar countries in South Asia and Africa.

The home of the fabled Royal Bengal tiger is now emerging as an economic tiger.

My personal interest in Bangladesh stems from my family connections.

Though we are Hindus originating in West Bengal, we have always cherished the common linguistic and cultural heritage with the Bangladeshis which have overridden religious and political differences in the past and the present. In addition, my paternal grandfather taught at Dacca University and my father did his postgraduate studies at the same. My father often spoke of the beauty of the countryside and the enormously wide rivers along with little anecdotes about life as a student.

Bangabandhu Memorial Museum where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated www.indiannewsqld.com.au

Grabbing the opportunity My first visit to Bangladesh was as part of an official delegation to visit some of Bangladesh’s nongovernment organisations which have done universally acclaimed work in providing economic, health and social benefits to vulnerable groups. Sadly, there was no time to visit any other places.

The opportunity to see more of the country came when my sonin-law whose family comes from Bangladesh invited us to visit his country of origin, his family and some tourist spots as well. What better way to visit a country!

Our first stop was Dhaka, a bustling, built up city. It was easy to see why it’s now one of the fastest growing megacities in the world.

The highlights of our visit were a walk around the University where we were able to track the Physics Faculty where my father had studied and the home of Bangladesh’s national leader and first Prime Minister, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman where he was assassinated in 1975.

The house showed how the family lived and the spots where they were killed, complete with bullet holes and bloodstains. Behind the house was a museum explaining the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the struggle for independence.

The pleasure of revisiting places linked to my father’s history was tempered with the sadness of seeing the reminders of the brutal birth of Bangladesh and the equally brutal demise of the Father of the Nation.

Visiting Tagore’s home Our next stop was Kushtia, home to two great literary figures: the poet Rabindranath Tagore who is the author of the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh and the mystic saint philosopher and

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songwriter Lalon Fakir. The two men came from very different backgrounds. Tagore was from a wealthy landed and educated family who became and remains India’s only poet to win the Nobel Prize for literature. Lalon was an illiterate man from a poor family, not well-known outside the Bangladesh/Bengali communities.

Yet both promoted the oneness of people and their compositions remain as soul stirring as ever.

Very fittingly, there were musicians performing at both sites.

From Jessore we went on to Rangpur where we stayed in a beautiful guest house run by a non-government organisation.

The green and spacious grounds were a contrast to the busy streets just outside. The rooms were very comfortable and the meals delicious, though the serves were usually too big for us. The dining room provided fare for the mind as well.

We met several visitors from India, Britain and Europe who had come to work with RDRS and had some interesting conversations with them. The Brits said they were very happy to be away from the madness of Brexit.

It was our good fortune that we could also venture outside the cities to the village homes of our son-in-law’s relatives to savour the beauty of the countryside and lots more delicious food. There were many other places we visited, interspersed with meeting family and friends, too numerous to recount here. An abiding memory of Bangladesh was the courtesy and hospitality of its people, family, friends and strangers alike.

At the end of it, we can truthfully say we will go back, hopefully in the very near future! We sincerely hope the Phoenix nation will never be burnt again.

OCTOBER 2019

22

Indian News Queensland | FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Lalitha Kalalaya to stage 'Shakti' in Brisbane Lalitha Kalalaya School of Bharatanatyam will be presenting "Shakti" depicting the stories of Hindu roots, with an emphasis on its relevance to the present times on 9th of November at Sunnybank Performing Arts and Cultural Centre.

According to Hindu philosophy and theology, Shakti means power.

Shakti is understood to be the active dimension of God, the divine power, that underlies the ability to create the world, and to display itself. Within the totality of God, Shakti is the complementary pole of the divine tendency towards calm and tranquility. Hindu mythology incorporates God and Goddess, who are in stories that symbolise God's gender with ideas and values.

With emphasis on the origin of Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Parvathi, students under the guidance of their Guru enacted various stories through the popular classical dance form-Bharathanatyam.

In its general definition Shakti is a dynamic energy that is responsible for creation, maintenance, and destruction of the universe. It is quite common, furthermore, to identify shakti with a female being, a goddess, and to identify the other pole with her male consort. The two poles are usually understood

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to be interdependent and to have relatively equal status in terms of the divine economy.

The first part of the presentation is on origin of Godess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. She is believed to be the significant other half and the energy of Lord Vishnu. The first scene is on Goddess Lakshmi’s birth from the churning of the primordial ocean. The churning scene is symbolized by the tug of war between Devas and Asuras. From the churning, Goddess Lakshmi rises out of the waves, seated on a full blown lotus and ultimately chooses Vishnu as her consort and merges in him.

In the next scene the attributes of Goddess Saraswati are narrated. If Lord Brahma is the creator of the universe, Goddess Saraswathi is his wisdom. She is the goddess of knowledge, speech, learning, art and prosperity. Full form of the Goddess with her four arms is beautifully narrated in this part. A hand that holds a rosary (Rudraksh Mala), symbolising concentration and meditation, leading to union with God. Second hand holds a book, that signifies knowledge. Third hand is engaged in playing Veena, which denotes alert mind and intellect and the fourth hand blessing all thus denoting her omnipresence.

In the final part Goddess Parvathi, the daughter of the mountain and a benevolent Goddesss is depicted through a graceful dance presentation. The wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, also known as Girija Kalyanam is enacted in this part. Next depicted is the scene of manifestation of Goddess Parvathi in the form of Goddess Durga, who kills the

demon Mahishasura and saves the universe from the evil force.

Mahishasura vadham is known not just as a cosmological event, it is celebrated as victory of good over evil.

Through this thematic presentation “Shakti�, Guru Padmalakshmi and her disciples have conveyed the powerful message, that we need all three Shaktis in our lives,

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in order to overcome the struggles in our daily lives. Leading thereby to self-awareness which in turn will lead to rise above the normal state of mere existence aided with moral virtues. All this will ultimately help in reflecting out, all the three Shakti's within us, through the revelation of a renewed and transformed personality.

OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | SPORTS

Batting lets India down as South Africa level T20 series 1-1

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n the absence of a potent bowling attack, lackluster batting causes India’s downfall once again, writes Rabindra Mukherji When it comes to T20’s, of late, Indians have not quite lived up to their expectations. It has been a rollercoaster ride for the Indians in this format, a sparkling display one day, reaching the nadir of their performance in the next game. This is precisely what was on display in the recently-concluded three-match T20 series between India and South Africa.

While the first match was washed away by rain, the next one saw the Indians play some brilliant cricket even in the absence of the likes of Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. However, as has been the story of Indian cricket in recent times, their brilliance on a day is not any surety of their repeat performance the following day.

India fails to capitalise on toss win In the final match of the series at M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru, the hosts faltered at 134 in 20 overs, thanks to some injudicious shots played by the Indian batsmen. It all began well for the Indians when their skipper Virat Kohli won the toss.

There was a chance now to post a formidable total and tease the South Africans later with some good line and length bowling. But the toss advantage quickly withered away, despite an acceptable start to the Indian innings at 62 for 1 after 7 overs. Thereafter, defying logic India slumped to 99 for six after 15 overs and from then on they did not give themselves any chance to post a

total that would have challenged the flamboyance of Quinton De Kock upfront.

Chaotic batting display When asked why he chose to bat first, Kohli said that the team needed some practice to defend totals. However, the Indian batting looked chaotic and were never going to challenge a strong South African bowling attack. While Rohit did not last long edging out to Hendricks when he had scored only 9 runs, Dhawan went on to steady the Indian ship somewhat before he was picked up by Shamsi for 36. After an outstanding knock

at Mohali, Kohli failed this time around scoring only 9. Rishabh Pant once again showed promise but did not deliver. He scored 19, though he looked good enough for plenty more. Shreyas Iyer went cheaply.

When Hardik Pandya arrived at the crease, the crowd cheered in anticipation. However, he left early disappointing the crowd. Jadeja managed a solitary six and this was the sorry tale of Indian batting on a day that began with a lot of promise for the Indians.

De Kock dims Indian hopes If Indians had any hope of reviving their fortune through disciplined

When it comes to asking for a review regarding an appeal overturned by the on-field umpire, Kohli and co. have faltered on many occasions

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bowling, De Kock had other ideas.

He smashed an unbeaten 79 runs in 52 balls with five hits over the rope.

South Africa reached home with 19 balls to spare, leveling the series 1-1.

His exquisite shots on the leg side, by now his trademark, were a treat to watch.

Bowling sans Bumrah and Bhuvi This defeat at the hands of a South African team which the Indians trounced comfortably at Mohali has brought forth a few noteworthy observations. To begin with, Indian bowling attack is not menacing at all in the absence of Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Even Mohammed Shami’s inclusion lends a different look to the Indian attack.

Deepak Chahar and Saini, who played in the absence of Bumrah and co., though look promising, are yet to become a matchwinning combination. They are inexperienced and look good in an IPL side rather than shouldering the responsibility of the country, all by themselves. Therefore, it is perhaps more of a hype than anywhere close to reality that India have a bench strength to replace their

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frontline pace attack of Bumrah, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Shami.

Wasting a review again When it comes to asking for a review regarding an appeal overturned by the on-field umpire, Kohli and co. have faltered on many occasions. It is surprising that the wicket keeper is unable to provide valuable inputs related to a close caught-behind or even a ball hitting the pad. Any delivery darting straight on to the pad or sliding down the leg side are not very difficult to anticipate if one is standing straight behind the stumps as the wicket-keepers do. However, Indians seem to get the request for review of an umpire’s decision wrong on more occasions than any other team in international cricket.

In the final T20 against South Africa, a frivolous appeal against Hendricks saw India lose the only review allotted to each team. Later, when de Kock was trapped in front

by Washington Sundar for 28, umpire Nitin Menon ruled him not out. The reviews showed that the ball was crashing on to the stumps.

But by then India did not have any reviews left.

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Indian News Queensland | MIGRATION

Q&A Session with our migration expert Question 1: S. Andrews My wife is a New Zealand citizen and my two-year-old son is also a New Zealand citizen who was born here in Australia. I am on a 461 visa (New Zealand citizen's family relationship visa) and we applied for PR around one year ago because I wanted to get PR too. We haven't heard anything from them yet. My wife had 65 points before when we applied including state sponsorship.

We are just wondering is there any chance for us to apply for PR? Can we apply for a regional PR, at least for me because my wife and son they have medicare and don't need a visa for staying in Australia?

Answer: Thank you for the email. If you have already applied for a point based PR or lodged an employer sponsored PR, no need to lodge a second PR application. Since you have applied for PR, you are eligible for Medicare. Please note regional PR is available through subclass 187 or subclass 186 depending on your qualification, employment and skill requirements. Provisional visa (subclass 489) is not an advisable option as you have already applied for a PR visa in Australia.

Question 2: GR Madathil Myself GR Madathil, and I am an Indian citizen, working as mechanical engineer in UAE. I would like to enrol for Australian PR, so kindly advice me to achieve the same.

Answer: Please note to migrate to Australia as a professional, certain procedures are to be followed by the prospective applicant. We have minimal information on your career; however, we understand you are a Mechanical Engineer by profession. Your profession is an eligible occupation for migration to Australia. At this stage, a successful applicant needs 85 points to get an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to lodge the main application. Your age, English language proficiency test score, work experience in the nominated profession are critical in assessing your eligibility. For skilled migration, you must get positive skills assessment from Engineers Australia to initiate the application.

Question 3: J Antony I am holding a visiting visa with multiple entry, and I have visited Sydney and returned in June 2019.

Send all your queries and doubts on migration to us on:

info@indiannewsqld.com.au

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If I come again, is it possible you can get me the work visa or protection visa there? One of my friends told me that if it is not easy to get work visa then it is possible to get protection visa.

Answer: Thank you for the email. You may note visitor visa holders are not permitted to undertake any kind of job in Australia as per mandatory visa condition imposed in it. Regarding working visas, you can avail different types of employment visas in Australia. You must have suitable occupation, required qualification, work experience and English language proficiency to apply for those visas.

You may check the Department of Home Affairs website to get more information on work visas.

Regarding the protection visa, this is not a short cut to get residency in Australia. There are strict criteria applicable to get such a visa.

Australia’s refugee and humanitarian program aims to help people in humanitarian need to resettle in Australia when they do not have any other durable solution available or they seek protection after arriving in Australia. Before initiating a protection visa application, you

must bear in mind such facts about this category.

Question 4: V. Taioli I am from Venenzula and currently my partner visa has been cancelled.

I arrived in Australia in 2015 on a student visa and later married an Australian citizen. I faced domestic violence during married life, but did not complain anywhere. Do I have any chance to regain my partner visa?

Answer: We have gone through your details.

The partner visa (provisional) has been cancelled, and you get 21 days to appeal against the delegate decision. In your information, it is mentioned you have lived with your partner for three months only, and faced physical and mental torture from him. However, you have not complained against him. We understand you received Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation (NOICC) of visa before the Department of Home Affairs finally cancelled your partner visa. In response, if you have informed the Department about the violence faced and produced enough evidence, they might have considered such factor before cancelling your visa.

If you could not prove domestic

PRATHAP LAKSHMANAN MA, LLB, LLM, GradDipLP (Lawyer & Migration Agent / Qualified Education Agent Counsellor) TN Lawyers & Immigration Consultants

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violence factor, it is hard to reinstate your partner visa even with an AAT appeal. Please make sure you should not become unlawful in Australia as your partner visa has already been cancelled. You may get professional advice in this matter as there are very limited options to apply for another visa in Australia.

Question 5: SM Gopi My name is SM Gopi. I am from Kerala and am a flair bartender (cocktail maker and a juggler) having 9 years experience. I have a hotel management diploma, and my wife is a B Sc nurse having 2 years experience. We are interested to work in Australia. Is it possible?

How can I apply? Please inform us.

Answer: Thank you for the email. Please note with your qualification, occupation and experience, chances are remote to migrate to Australia as main applicant.

With your wife’s profession and experience, she may have chance to apply for skilled migration as main applicant. However, it is premature to advise finally at this stage, without citing her academic records, English test score, etc. Besides, she needs to satisfy registration requirements as a Registered Nurse before the process starts.

Email: info@tnlawyers.com Web: www.tnlawyers.com.au Skype: prathap.tnmc

OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | BOOKS & LITERATURE

Book on India's Pursuit of Energy launched

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ustralia India Business Council Queensland Chapter organised the book launch for Dr. Ashok Sharma's comprehensive book on India's pursuit of energy on September 20 at Customs House, Queen Street, Brisbane, QLD. Authored by Dr. Ashok Sharma, India’s Pursuit of Energy: Security Domestic Measures, Foreign Policy and Geopolitics is a comprehensive take on how India is pursuing its energy security in domestic and foreign policy context in a carbon-controlled and competitive geopolitical environment.

India’s Pursuit of Energy

The book uses a conceptual framework of four A's: Availability, Accessibility, Affordability and Acceptability to deal with the topic in a comprehensive manner. It’s very much relevant to Australia as energy and resources dominate AustraliaIndia bilateral trade, and Australia has the capability to contribute to India’s energy quest and benefit from that.

Senator The Hon Matthew Canavan was the guest speaker and Jim Varghese AM was the facilitator at the event. The attendees from among the public were given one signed copy of the book each.

Senator Hon Matthew Canavan (3rd left) and Dr. Ashok Sharma (2nd right) and Dr Jim Vargese (right) at the book launch

Dr Ram Mohan, President FICQ (left), Cr Angela Owen (2nd left), Senator Hon Matthew Canavan (right) and Dr. Ashok Sharma (2nd right) at the book launch

Dr Bernard Malik appointed as PNG special envoy

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enowned educationist, philanthropist and businessman, Dr Bernard Malik, has been appointed as the Papua New Guinea Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Trade, Investment and Education.

The office of the PNG Prime Minister, Hon James Marape, made the appointment on September 17, saying it was in recognition of Dr Malik’s longstanding relationship with PNG and his strong interest

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in promoting trade, investment and education in the country.

In his appointment letter, Mr Marape said: “My Government is endeavouring to attract genuine private investors to partner in developing Papua New Guinea and you have shown interest in this area.”

Dr Malik said he was honoured by the appointment and would be soon holding investment seminars around the world to promote

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PNG as an attractive business and investment destination.

Dr Malik, who is also known as Reverend Malik, is a path-breaking innovator in the field of education and a warrior for noble causes. After a successful career in the United States of America, Dr Malik moved to Australia in 2009.

He is a noted global educationist and an eminent philanthropist with vast experience and expertise in the field of education, with a vision and yen to succeed. He has educational interests in India, Africa, Australia and PNG. Recognising that education is the only stable way to actual empowerment, Dr Malik embarked on his crusade of setting up state-ofthe-art educational facilities across the globe. He is the founder of the International Open University in Meghalaya state in eastern India (established by the Government of Meghalaya).

Dr Malik also established the Leaders Institute in Brisbane, a higher education provider delivering Accounting and Agribusiness Bachelors programs.

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Indian News Queensland | YOUTH

QTA holds children's science fair ueensland Telugu Association Inc. (QTA) organised Science Fair 2019 for children on August 25, 2019 at Sunnybank Community Centre, Sunnybank.

Organised as part of the National Science Week, Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology, the science fair aimed to encourage an interest in science pursuits among children and to encourage them to become fascinated by science and technology.

The event saw 19 children participating and more than 70 visitors observing their experiments.

Children exhibited their projects and explained the science involved

Winners of QTA Science Fair 2019 Category Prize Name(s) of the Winner Primary School

High School

Children's experiments were assessed by independent judges, and the winners were awarded with gift cards to the visitors. QTA had restricted the entries to non-gaseous experiments, for safety reasons.

The experiments were assessed by independent judges, Dr. Prasad Challagaru, cardioloigist,

1st Prize ($100 Gift Card) Deepanjan Nidhi 2nd Prize ($50 Gift Card) Sandeep Panchumarthi 1st Prize ($100 Gift Card) Abhiram Yerramachu 2nd Prize ($50 Gift Card) Prudhvi Guduru and Siddharth Vangala

Logan Hospital and Dr. Venkat Venkatachalam Garu, professor, Queensland University of Technology, and the winners were awarded with gift cards. All the participants not only received the participation certificates but also the promotional material (T-shirts, books and badges)

that the Australian Government provided to QTA in support of the event. The event was also published on National Science Week and promoted by the government.

Participants holding certificates, along with visitors, at QTA Science Fair 2019

"How I opened up to the multicultural character of Queensland"

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ello, everyone. My name is Isha Naik, and recently my school was nominated as a finalist for the Multicultural Queensland Awards. Earlier in the year, I was fortunate to have been chosen as the captain of the Multicultural Committee of our school, a studentrun group that promotes inclusivity and cultural awareness within our school and the broader community.

In line with our Multicultural Committee’s motto -- Everyone, Everywhere, Every Culture, the group of students organise various school-based cultural events, such as Chinese New Year, Bastille Day, Diwali and many more. In addition, the college dedicates one whole week to acknowledge our diverse community of over 70 ethnic backgrounds by a Parade of Nations ceremony, gala night and international food fair.

My community service experience began from a young age where

that the 195 countries that exist on Earth are home to more than 7 billion people from close to 6500 linguistic backgrounds. As an Indian who has never actually lived in India, I was often faced with combating the cultural stereotype set by society about my Indian background. Through meeting people from various backgrounds and encountering these stereotypes, I quickly realised the importance of acknowledging each other’s multicultural backgrounds, spreading cultural awareness and embracing our differences.

Isha Naik

Isha Naik (right) receiving the Multicultural Queensland Awards nomination from Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs I started raising money for a sponsored child’s education in India. Furthermore, I regularly

participated in community service activities around Brisbane, such as helping at old-age care centres and countless fundraisers. My passion for helping less fortunate kids led me to attend two international service-learning trips to Cambodia, Vietnam and Central Australia, where I helped in teaching and renovating school facilities. It was through these many experiences that I was exposed to our multicultural world.

Throughout my 18 years, I have been extremely blessed to travel and live in several countries, experiencing various tastes, sounds and sights. It always amazes me

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After being nominated for the state award, I was further exposed to the multicultural community in Queensland and had the opportunity to connect and meet people with a similar passion to myself. I wish to continue my passion for embracing our multicultural community through my post-graduation studies and, hopefully, create a more harmonious community in Brisbane where anyone and everyone feels safe and welcome, regardless of their race, gender or ethnicity.

Isha Naik holding the finalist nomiation for Multicultural Queensland Awards

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OCTOBER 2019

27

Indian News Queensland | HOROSCOPE

Horoscope October 2019 Aries

Mar 20 – Apr 20 You’ll certainly be fulfilling your need to be independent and develop self-awareness especially within partnership/relationships.

Conversations, debates and finding a mentor all figure in. The work scene is pleasant. Watch the tendency to overindulge in food and drink.

By months’ end you could find a partnership/relationship turning romantic. After the 15th, your mind will want to probe subjects intensely and penetrate deep spiritual truths. After the 22nd, you may experience the “death” and then rebirth of some personal aspect.

Taurus

Apr 20 – May 21 Your ability to be resourceful and productive is being tested on the work front. Your workload has probably doubled. Keep on the lookout for increased opportunities for advancement through October 2019. Health should be excellent through this period.

Romantic and creative pursuits get a loving boost but by month's end the emphasis shifts to increased cooperation from co-workers and superiors. After the 13th would be a good time to begin new projects that either enhance your work environment or improve your health.

The 15th brings the beginning of intense and probing communications in partnership/ relationships. After the 24th, you may become involved with spiritual or occult matters within your career, or you could decide your present calling is not adequate. The 27th brings illumination to some personal issue.

Gemini

May 21 – Jun 21 This month you’ll find yourself in the mood to play. Your inner cruise director is working overtime to choose between romance, creativity or pleasurable pursuits.

You’ll be busy enhancing the appearance of your home or perhaps entertaining guests.

By the end of the month you’ll really be in the mood for having a good time. The new moon on the 13th would be good for starting new creative projects that use your artistic ability. After the 15th, you’ll be more involved with mental work and be paying more attention to detail.

Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 23 The home front becomes your strategic command center! You might as well have a revolving door with all the comings and goings.

Numerous visitors, nostalgic conversations, lively debates,

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renovations and expansion are all part of the scenario.

Precise, well thought out communications gives way to the tendency to overindulge in food and drink. Family disputes begin to be settled. The new moon on the 13th would be a good time to begin a project involving family or strengthening your security and/ or foundation.

Leo

Jul 23 – Aug 23 The universe is asking you to use your inborn need to creatively express yourself and be appreciated by others in your everyday environment. The pace of your daily routine has surely gone into warp speed! Your plans for the future are becoming larger and more expansive.

Examining your personal values, being drawn to things of beauty and the urge to shop ’til you drop give way to discovering the considerate amount of love in your everyday world. Which one of you will receive a special “proposal”?

Virgo

Aug 23 – Sep 23 You’ll be using your inborn talent to meticulously analyze your finances, your ability to make money, and your self-worth.

You’ll undoubtedly discover ways to function more efficiently. Be sure and set aside some money for sudden unexpected expenses.

Personal Venusian pursuits give way to the ability to attract material possessions, money and people. Financial opportunities may arise. Guard against over spending. The new moon on the 13th is a good time to start a project to increase your net worth.

erupt? All this Libra planetary energy is immersed in a house for you where things are often vague and unclear. Irritability is heightened. Engage in some form of mental and physical exercise to ease the tension.

You have a guardian angel on your shoulder until October 2019.

A good month to pursue goals and dreams, participate in group activities, or spend more time with friends. After the 15th, you’ll share what’s been on your mind the last month.

Scorpio

Oct 23 – Nov 22 An excellent month to pursue your goals and dreams in life, to participate in group activities and causes perhaps to the point of taking a leading role, and to spend time with friends and make new ones. The new moon on the 13th would be a great time to begin a new project in this area of your life.

After the 15th, meditation would serve you well and help you connect to your higher spiritual self and beliefs. After the 22nd, you begin your yearly period of getting in touch with your subconscious mind. Your astrological year is ending. It’s time to review and revise to prepare for new growth next “year.”

Capricorn

Dec 23 – Jan 20 Ok you industrious, highly organized sea goats, your career and/or public image is receiving a lot of universal energy. Time to further define and reassess what you want. Additional opportunities or just plain luck come in these areas through October 2019 – take advantage!

Authority figures are watching.

Rewards could be great – especially by months’ end – or those putting forth the extra effort. The new moon on the 13th is an opportune time to plant seeds for a new project to enhance your career and/or public image.

After the 15th, you’ll be expressing your ideas and opinions, in a direct and penetrating manner, in group activities and with friends.

Your sense of values may take on a heightened spiritual tone after the 24th. Illumination is given regarding some creative or romantic endeavor on the 27th.

Aquarius Jan 19 – Feb 18

A lot of planetary energy is activating the area in your chart that involves higher education and philosophical ideas. Time to pursue a new course of study, take a journey to foreign lands, or simply interact with foreign people

to expand your universal vision and help nurture your inborn need to create social change.

Pisces

Feb 19 – Mar 21 After the 13th would be an opportune time to initiate new activities in these areas. Most of the month you may find yourself craving intense emotional encounters that will stir your deepest passions.Your ruling planet Neptune turns direct this month. You now continue to pursue outwardly your inborn intuitive spiritual desire to move humanity forward to a higher plane of existence. What a time to come out of “hibernation” with so much planetary energy driving you to pursue so much intensity in your life. You may seem a little withdrawn by others. This is the month to investigate anything that needs an answer.

Partnerships/relationships go smoothly – you’ll be analyzing them very closely. Issues can be settled amicably. By months’ end you’ll be craving close intimate encounters. After the 15th, you’ll be thinking of ways to intensely transform your vision of life and the universe. After the 24th, you begin to question and reevaluate what your life means in spiritual terms. Enlightenment occurs on the 27th regarding your everyday environment.

Libra

Sep 23 – Oct 23 Happy Birthday you charming, diplomatic, artistic children of the zodiac! What a way to start your new yearly astrological cycle with so much planetary energy in your birth sign. You are truly on center stage as you have a lot to communicate.

Extra opportunities and luck come your way through October 2019.

Hopefully you’ve begun some new creative projects. You have an extra boost of energy to move you forward until the middle of November. After the 15th you’ll intensely reexamine your values – materially, intellectually and spiritually. After the 22nd, finances and personal values need to be addressed. Are they serving your needs or are you serving theirs?

Sagittarius

Nov 22 – Dec 22 Do you feel like a volcano bubbling and boiling ready to

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OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

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OCTOBER 2019

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Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

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OCTOBER 2019

30

Indian News Queensland | WHAT’S ON

Navaratri in Gold Coast - Hindu Arts Festival -

The Gold Coast Hindu Cultural Association (GCHCA) proudly celebrates

Navaratri Festival Date: 05th Oct 2019 (Saturday) Time: 5:45 pm for 6 pm start (2 hrs cultural program followed by Indian dinner) Venue: Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre

833 Southport-Nerang Road, Nerang, QLD 4211

The evening will include performances by various prominent South Asian artistes in South East Queensland, followed by a vegetarian dinner.

Your donations and contributions are very much appreciated!

Registration: eventbrite.com.au/e/71861284035 gchcan@gmail.com www.GoldCoastHindu.org Contact: S. Rathinam 0413 845 274

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OCTOBER 2019

31

Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Indian Movies Coming Soon Saand Ki Aankh

Housefull 4 RELEASE DATE: 25 October, 2019 Language: Hindi (With English Subtitles) Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala Director: Farhad Samji Cast: Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh and Bobby Deol

RELEASE DATE: 25 October, 2019 Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Producer: Anurag Kashyap, Nidi Parmar, Ajay Rai, Ankur B. Saraiya Director: Tushar Hiranandani Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Vineet Kumar Singh, Prakash Jha

Lootcase RELEASE DATE: 11 October, 2019 Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Director: Rajesh Krishnan Cast: Aakash Dabhade, Kunal Khemu, Rasika Dugal, Gajraj Rao, Ranvir Shorey, Vijay Raaz

Based on the exciting story of the world’s oldest sharpshooters Chandro and Prakashi Tomar, the drama marks the directorial debut of acclaimed Tushar Hiranandani. Packed by powerful performances by Taapsee Pannu and Bhumi Pednekar.

The Sky Is Pink Nandan Kumar finds a bag full of cash but knows nothing about who it belongs to, where it came from, or

how it got there. Will he take it? Will he leave it? Kunal Khemu will be seen playing Nandan Kumar, Rasika

Dugal as Lata, Vijay Raaz as Bala Rathore, Ranvir Shorey as Inspector Kolte and Gajraj Rao as MLA Patil.

Mardaani 2 RELEASE DATE: 13 December, 2019 Language: Hindi (with English subtitles)

RELEASE DATE: 11 October, 2019

Rani Mukerji’s edge-of-the-seat entertainer Mardaani 2 is set to release this year with producers announcing that the much-awaited cop thriller will release on 13th December. Rani is reprising the role of the fearless and committed Superintendent of Police Shivani Shivaji Roy in Mardaani 2.

She had delivered an outstanding

performance in the superhit and hugely acclaimed prequel, Mardaani, in which she took on the kingpin of a child trafficking racket.

In Mardaani 2, Rani will be seen pitted against a 21-year-old menacingly evil villain. There is a lot of anticipation on who her villain

War RELEASE DATE: 2 October, 2019 Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Producer: Aditya Chopra Director: Siddharth Anand Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff www.indiannewsqld.com.au

will be but one thing is for certain that Aditya Chopra is set to launch a new face as the antagonist. The film marks the directorial debut of Gopi Puthran, the writer of the first Mardaani film. Produced by Aditya Chopra, Mardaani 2 was shot extensively in Jaipur and parts of Rajasthan.

Language: Hindi (with English subtitles) Producer: Priyanka Chopra, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Ronnie Screwvala Director: Shonali Bose Cast: Priyanka Chopra, Zaira Wasim, Farhan Akhtar This is an upcoming Indian Hindi-language biographical film directed by Shonali Bose and co-produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur, Ronnie Screwvala and Chopra under the banner of RSVP Movies, Roy Kapur Films and Purple Pebble Pictures.

War is set to be a visual spectacle for action cinema lovers as they would witness Hrithik and Tiger pull off jaw-dropping sequences as they try to beat each other. Director Siddharth Anand says, “When you bring two of the biggest and the best action superstars of India in one film and pit them against each other, you need a title that justifies the promise

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of a massive showdown. Hrithik and Tiger will be seen going at each other ferociously and mercilessly and audiences will want to see who outwits whom in this incredible fight. War is the only title that could have delivered on this big promise and justifies the level of an action spectacle that the film is trying to present to audiences globally.”

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Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Stereotype around Indian actors in West fading, says Ali Fazal

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li Fazal believes that with an emerging trend of Indian actors being frequently called upon to do Hollywood projects, the stereotype around them is disappearing. Fazal credits Victoria & Abdul (2017)

for altering his career path. He hopes to strike the right balance between Bollywood and Hollywood commitments in the future.

Fazal has been chosen to play the parallel lead opposite Wonder Woman (2017) star Gal Gadot

Anushka Sharma the only Bollywood actress on Fortune India’s list of most powerful women

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ctress Anushka Sharma has been named in the Fortune India’s top 50 list of Most Powerful Women of 2019. The actress, who ventured into Bollywood in 2008 with the film Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, is the youngest woman on the list and ranks at 39. She is also the only Bollywood actor to feature on the list.

Fortune India wrote about the actress: “Sharma is not only the face of her clothing line Nush and several other brands such as Nivea, Elle 18, Myntra and Lavie, but also a producer. Clean Slate Films, which Sharma set up when she was 25, has produced three small-budget Hindi films - NH10, Phillauri, and Pari.”

Pulkit Samrat to appear in animated avatar in Fukrey Boyzzz

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ulkit Samrat received a lot of applause for his role as Hunny in Fukrey series (2013). The second part of the movie Fukrey Returns, which was released in 2017, was much liked by the audience for outstanding comical work. Some even hail it as a laughter riot of sorts.

With Hunny now back with yet another installment of the series, more of fun and laughter is expected. But this time, there is a change as there is an animated twist to it, which means the actor will be witnessed in an animated avatar in this series titled Fukrey Boyzzz. And to add to all the fun, there will be

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specially curated content for the kids.

The series is likely to be launched in six languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

Besides the Fukrey venture, the actor is currently shooting for his upcoming film Haathi Mere Saathi. Haathi Mere Saathi is an animal drama which will also see the likes of Rana Daggubati, Vishnu Vishal, Zoya Hussein and Kalki Koechlin. The movie showcases man-animal relationship, which is inspired by true events.

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in Kenneth Branagh's Death On The Nile. For this film, says Fazal, the shooting of Bhoot Police was shifted. While he has to juggle a lot between projects and it takes its toll, the actor is prepared for it.

Sushant Singh Rajput gets passionate about Moon 2024 mission

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t was a couple of years ago that Sushant Singh Rajput was training at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, USA, to enact the role of an astronaut in his then-upcoming sci-fi film, Chanda Mama Door Ke. While the project did not succeed, it intensified his love for astronomy. Rajput, who is basking in the glory of Chhichhore, now intends to go back to Houston.

He wants to complete his training at Houston. The actor is so passionate about astronomy that he bought a piece of land in the region of Mare Muscoviense, which is called the Sea of Muscovy last year to get the feel of being on the moon. He says that since NASA is planning to send astronauts on the Moon by 2024, he is planning to prepare himself for it, in case he gets lucky.

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Indian News Queensland | BOLLYWOOD

Sanya Malhotra to play Shakuntala Devi’s daughter Anupama Banerji

A deluge of films for Kartik Aaryan

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anya Malhotra is the latest addition to the cast of Shakuntala Devi biopic, fronted by Vidya Balan.

In the film, Sanya will essay the role of Shakuntala Devi’s daughter Anupama Banerji, and the makers announced the actor’s casting on

the occasion of Daughter’s Day. “I am very excited to play the iconic Shakuntala Devi’s daughter - Anupama Banerji. Everyone knows the achievements of the math genius Shakuntala Devi. I’m thrilled to bring on screen this dynamic mother -

daughter relationship and equally thrilled to work with Vidya Balan.

“Also looking forward to my first association with Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Vikram Malhotra,” Sanya said in a statement.

Amyra Dastur: Happy with shaping up of my career

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ctor Amyra Dastur has said that she is satisfied with the trajectory of her career so far. The debutant in 2013 film “Issaq” feels she is getting better opportunities now.

She says that now she is in a position to choose from many offers to do films which she receives. If she likes a role offered to her, she chooses to work in the film, and if she does not like the role she rejects the offer. She says that she is unfazed by criticism and unmoved by praise.

Amyra has acted in films like Kung Fu Yoga, Rajma Chawal and Judgementall Hai Kya. The actor has also acted in Sanjay Dutt’s recently released film Prassthanam in which she was Ali Fazal’s love interest.

Her role was that of an NRI from America.

The movie also features Manisha Koirala, Jackie Shroff and Chunky Pandey.

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fter the successes of Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and Luka Chuppi, Kartik Aaryan is now said to be flooded with a deluge of offers.

In a recent Instagram post, Kartik posted a picture with none other than megastar Amitabh Bachchan. It was not for a film but for an advertisement, but this is enough to show his rising popularity.

So far as his current projects are concerned, he has busied himself with as many as four films lined up till 2020, including Pati, Patni Aur Woh, Imtiaz Ali’s untitled film with Sara Ali Khan, Dostana 2 and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

Veteran actor Viju Khote dies at 77

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eteran theatre and film actor Viju Khote passed away at the age of 77 in Mumbai. The actor is best known for the role of Kalia in Sholay and Robert in Andaz Apna Apna.

The actor appeared in over 300 Hindi and Marathi films and numerous television shows and plays. He made his big screen debut with the 1964 film Ya Malak and went on to do some

of the most iconic characters in Bollywood. His popular films include Sholay, Andaz Apna Apna, Qurbani, Karz, Nagina and China Gate, among others.

Viju Khote was the younger brother of veteran actress Shubha Khote. Their father Nandu Khote was also a noted stage actor.

Actress Durga Khote is his aunt.

He was last seen in the 2018 film Jaane Kyun De Yaaron.

Ace model Angel Bhandari gears up for her next big break

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op model Madhu Bhandari, also known as Angel Bhandari, will soon be enthralling audiences worldwide with her sizzling performance. She is said to have signed a well-renowned banner for her debut.

Besides her forthcoming project, Angel is a trained dancer and a fitness freak who has inspired many of her fans through her internet posts related to fitness.

Her bold photo shoots have kept her in great demand in the fashion

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industry. She is now all set to work for her forthcoming projects and her fans are longing to know about these projects in the pipeline. Angel can also be watched in a forthcoming web series with top star cast under an ace production house.

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